Searching for Common Solutions: the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture and Next Steps
Ricard Ramon, Deputy Head of Unit, Policy Perspectives, DG Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission, BE
In the last years, agri-food policies have been designed and discussed in growingly polarised context. The geopolitical and economic uncertainties have increased since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, forcing EU institutions to reformulate the policy strategies and address some debates in a new manner. While the European Green Deal, aiming at the climate neutrality by 2050, continues to be the growth strategy that the EU has shaped for the next decade, new policy avenues are emerging in order to advance towards sustainable and resilient food systems. Building in a new governance method to cope with the existing polarisation, the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture established the basis for a new consensus across the actors of the agri-food chain with the view to support and guide the future policy action of the European Commission. In his intervention, Mr. Ramon will present the context in which this Dialogue emerged, its characteristics and its final outcome, with a focus on the Recommendations addressed to the EU institutions. He will also outline the next steps established by the European Commission to advance on the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food within the boundaries of the planet, as well as the first ideas on the Common Agricultural Policy for the period post-2027.
Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture -Reflection on the policy implications from economic perspectives
Krijn Poppe, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, NL
For a reflection on the outcome of the Strategic Dialogue it is important to have a common understanding of the economics in the agri-food sector. This presentation discusses the insights from agricultural economics on the four questions that guided the Dialogue. Based on that, reflections on the outcome raise some points for further discussion.
Markets do not automatically renumerate all the producers. That is not so much the result of unbalanced power in the food chain but due to the slow adjustment processes in agriculture. As labour moves out of agriculture very slowly, the sector is characterised by a large number of farmers that face low incomes. That asks for a social policy in which the current CAP is not very successful: 80% of the direct payments is allocated via the land to the larger, more efficient farms and influences land values. The current mode of operation also leads to a production system that is not within the planetary boundaries. The Dialogue proposes to address this issue with a benchmark system that aligns private and public schemes for improvement. Innovation, technical and social, can play a bigger role. From an economic point of view innovation targets expensive inputs, like labour. Shifting the innovation from ever lower food prices to more sustainable production therefor asks for bringing sustainability aspects into the economic system, e.g. by putting a price on emissions. This asks for certain measures (like the carbon border adjustment mechanism) at the border of the EU, to prevent an unfair competition with imports.
How the EU research Framework Programme supports EU Agricultural and Environmental policy and the Strategic Dialogue
Paul Webb, Head of the “Green Europe” Department, European Research Executive Agency, Brussels, BE
In the last few months there have been many developments that may impact on research and researchers in Europe – a new Commission (including a request to prepare “a new multi-disciplinary Strategy for European Life Sciences”), Draghi and Letta reports on competitiveness and the single market and the Strategic Dialogue on Agriculture. The current strategies (Farm2Fork, bioeconomy, biodiversity etc) continue unchanged for now. Discussion on the shape, size and ambition of the future Research Framework Programme continues at all levels. There is considerable pressure for radical change, and many voices of caution. Are we likely to see an evolution or a revolution?
And what about the developments already introduced in Horizon Europe, which is, let us not forget, only just over halfway through its cycle? The Multi-actor approach, creation of a better evidence base, better support to innovation and deployment of solutions, co-creation between different services, etc. What was the European Commission seeking in Horizon Europe, and has it succeeded in its aims? How has the JRC been involved in the research structure in the Commission? Finally, how have research institutions been able to adapt to these new challenges? This presentation will address these questions from the point of view of the research funding agency.
On research and innovation: how life science universities do and can contribute to sustainable food systems
Joost Dessein, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, BE
Farmers are taking to the streets across Europe, while the European Commission has responded with a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. These developments underscore the severe pressures facing the European agricultural sector, which must rethink its future. Consequently, Life Science Universities may need to realign their research focus. In this context, LSUs are confronted with the question of whether their research should primarily aim to sustain an economically viable agricultural sector within the challenge of planetary boundaries, or should instead address the complex and ‘wicked’ concept of "Sustainable Food Systems." The question, "What kind of research and innovation do we need?" appears to be more political than scientific, as it reflects various perspectives and narratives regarding the future of agriculture in Europe.
Life Science Universities often excel in research and education focused on the biophysical and agronomic aspects of agriculture. However, despite the recent rise of Living Labs, Multi-Actor Approaches, and inter- and transdisciplinary initiatives, they struggle to effectively engage with the sociological and political dimensions of Sustainable Food Systems. This raises the question of how we can make our research and education more future-proof, and whether we are training engineers and graduates for the job market or for society as a whole. Renewed attention to the role of imagination can inspire pathways of innovation. This keynote draws from examples of education and research in various Belgian and European contexts.
Do Life Science University graduates have the skills to cocreate environmental and social policies?
Sebastian Goerg, TUMCS for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Straubing, DE
In a rapidly evolving world, graduates face increasing expectations to contribute to environmental and social policy development, particularly within the context of the bioeconomy. While academic programs are traditionally designed to equip students with discipline-specific skills, the pressing need for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration demands a broader approach. This talk will explore how we can better prepare graduates to transcend disciplinary boundaries, fostering a mindset that encourages co-creation and communication with policymakers and other stakeholders.
I will examine how curricular and extra-curricular activities can be leveraged to build essential competencies in interdisciplinary dialogue, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. The aim is to cultivate graduates who are not only experts in their field but also effective communicators and able to work on challenges at the intersection of science, industry, and policy.